'Taean Beach "Beachcombing Expedition" to Combat COVID-19'

Beachcombing Grand Journey Schedule. [Image=Sponekt]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The young startup 'SPONECT' proposed a 'Beachcombing Expedition' with university students to clean up the seas devastated by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

As social distancing measures due to the spread of COVID-19 continued for several months, coastal marine debris cleanup operations were halted, resulting in tens of tons of marine waste, including discarded Styrofoam and fishing nets, accumulating along the shores.

According to a report by the international marine conservation organization 'Oceana,' it is estimated that approximately 675 tons of marine debris are discarded worldwide every hour, with South Korea reporting an annual total of 150,000 tons.

Recently, CNN reported that the competition among countries to secure medical supplies such as gloves, surgical masks, and gowns used for COVID-19 treatment and prevention has increased production, leading to more disposable waste. Additionally, mask-wearing has become a new standard globally, and discarded masks flowing into beaches have raised concerns about turning into large amounts of plastic waste, polluting the oceans.

In this situation, SPONECT's proposal is for vacationers flocking to the coast during the upcoming holiday season and university students nationwide to join forces to clean up neglected marine debris and enjoy a meaningful holiday through beachcombing.

The project proposed by SPONECT, called "A Strong Step to Save the Sea, BEACH UP," was inspired by a long-term "National March" conducted by a pharmaceutical company with university students.

Beachcombing is a compound word of 'beach' and 'combing,' meaning collecting trash washed up on the shore. The collected waste is sometimes recycled into artworks or accessories, making beachcombing recognized as a form of up-cycling.

The proposal is to gather university students, whose semester start was delayed due to COVID-19, and embark on a coastal expedition of 87 km under the concept of "University Students and the Sea," "Exercise and Volunteering." Unlike the National March, participants will walk the Taean coastal trail in Chungnam for 4 nights and 5 days, overcoming the pain of the 2007 oil spill disaster while engaging in beachcombing activities.

In response to SPONECT's proposal, Taean County Office and Taean Coast National Park approved support including 32 hours of volunteer time, certificates for completing the 87 km Taean coastal trail, and related supplies.

Go Yoon-young, CEO of SPONECT, said, "This was planned from the concern of how to solve the seriousness of marine debris in a fun and meaningful way. Many healthcare workers have fought with all their might to overcome COVID-19. Now it is the university students' turn. Let's create another miracle by saving the sea and marine animals with the power of university students."

The Beachcombing Expedition "A Strong Step to Save the Sea, BEACH UP" will take place from August 24 (Monday) to 28 (Friday) over 4 nights and 5 days along the 87 km Taean coastal trail. Participants will walk as little as 3 km per day and up to 25 km on some days while conducting beachcombing activities. This project is currently underway on the crowdfunding platform Wadiz and will continue until the 25th. For more details, please check the SPONECT website.

Meanwhile, SPONECT is a young startup selected last year for the Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center's preliminary startup package. 'SPONECT' is a compound word combining 'sports' and 'connect,' meaning to connect people and the world through sports. Recognized for its bold ambition, the company secured government startup funding and is currently operating as a young enterprise.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.